ARLIS/NA 46th Annual Conference

Problem/Solution:
A catalogue raisonné is the definitive, comprehensive, and annotated compilation of all the known works of an artist. Traditionally produced in book form, catalogues raisonnés have posed a dilemma for students and scholars. Because the information in a catalogue raisonné is constantly in flux, printed catalogues raisonnés cannot achieve both completeness and accuracy. Artifex Press was conceived to resolve this problem - to offer a solution that is more accessible, more flexible, more time-and-cost efficient, and above all more accurate and up to date than the traditional printed counterpart. While continuing to adhere to strict guidelines for catalogue raisonné scholarship and compilation, the digital format also expands the definition of what a catalogue raisonné can be. The inclusion of video and audio content and virtually unlimited documentary materials can broaden the context through which an artist’s work is understood. The digital catalogue raisonné is the future of archival record-keeping for artists and their estates.

Presentation:

• General introduction to Artifex, including very basic outline of the subscription service - 5-10 minutes
• Presentation of Close and Martin catalogues - 10 minutes
• Introduction to the complexities of Sol LeWitt - 5-10 minutes
• Preview of LeWitt catalogue - 10 minutes
• Return to subscription service and future plans for Artifex - 10 minutes
• Question & Answer